Cybersecurity

DOJ Announces Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team

The group will include cybersecurity and anti-money laundering experts looking to crack down on ransomware and other criminal efforts. 

Cybersecurity

Senate Committee Passes Major FISMA Changes—Including a New Definition of ‘Major Incident’ 

The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee also passed an incident reporting bill with increased liability protections for companies, drawing praise from industry.  

Cybersecurity

DOJ to Hit Government Contractors with ‘Very Hefty Fines’ If They Fail to Disclose Data Breaches

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco promised to use an existing law to go after contractors that don't follow required cybersecurity standards.

Cybersecurity

Deputy National Security Adviser Lays Out Goals for Upcoming 30 Nation Meeting on Ransomware

Top cyber officials highlighted the importance of defensive measures as lawmakers move on related initiatives, including a bill to identify systemically important critical infrastructure.

Digital Government

The Latest on Agencies’ Return-to-Office Plans

A look at agencies’ various approaches to getting employees back to their worksites; this list will be updated periodically.

Digital Government

Students Can Now Earn up to $72,000 Annually, Federal HR Director Says

OPM Director Kiran Ahuja said the federal government is looking to overhaul internships, telling students “we need more of you and your colleagues coming into the federal government.”

Digital Government

Lawmakers Introduce Smattering of Bills to Avoid Future Shutdowns

The last-minute action to keep federal agencies open past Sept. 30 has spurred a flurry of legislation aimed at automatically funding federal programs in the face of congressional inaction.

Digital Government

DOD Now Continuously Monitoring Clearance Holders’ Credit and Criminal Records

The long-awaited change to the background investigations process will flag concerning information for further investigation.

Exclusive Digital Government

OMB's Made in America Website Showcases What Agencies Aren’t Buying Here

The site showcases all waivers reviewed by the Made in America Office, allowing U.S. businesses to identify opportunities that might otherwise go to foreign competitors.

Emerging Tech

Senate Bill Would Direct Treasury to Assess Crypto Mining Rates and Uses Over Time

The bipartisan legislation would require a Congressional report that dives deep into virtual currency use.

Digital Government

Biden Signs Shutdown-Averting Stopgap Spending Bill

Lawmakers have punted the shutdown threat for nine weeks, but a potential debt default looms.

Cybersecurity

FCC Working on Rule for Wireless Carriers to Avert SIM Swap Fraud

More than a year after lawmakers requested such action to protect consumer data and national security, the commission’s move could help to stop hackers undermining multifactor authentication.

Digital Government

Defense Business Board Relaunches After Pentagon Review

Former Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James named chair of the diverse advisory board.

Cybersecurity

CISA Warns of Vulnerabilities in Banned Chinese Surveillance Tech

The Federal Communications Commission is set to vote on tightening its national security reviews of foreign suppliers.

Digital Government

Senate Intel Chair Says Government Needs to Wake Up to China Threat

The senator called for increased investment in technology and infrastructure by the federal government.

Emerging Tech

IRS’ Criminal Investigators Want Help Breaking into Physical Crypto Wallets

The agency’s digital forensics unit is looking for a small business to help make routine processes out of some nascent research into related hardware hacking techniques.

Digital Government

The Census Bureau’s First Ever Data on LGBTQ+ People Indicates Deep Disparities

Sexual orientation and gender identity were added to the U.S. Census Bureau’s survey of the pandemic this summer — the first time a national government survey has captured the LGBTQ+ economic experience.